One of the best ways to become a more well-rounded and confident bowler is to test yourself in a team environment. Whether you form a two-man partnership or join a five-player group, you might find that team bowling can often be more exciting and a greater test of a bowler’s willpower than the solo game.

Breaking down the concept of team bowling

With an introduction to teamwork, Chris Barnes and Kim Terrell-Kearney discuss what they feel makes team bowling so unique, highlighting a few aspects of the game that certain bowlers may find challenging or slightly uncomfortable when they’re just starting to figure out the dynamic.

There are a number of subtle differences between individual and team bowling, particularly in the mentality you must adopt. Some of the world’s greatest bowlers (including some of our own talent) have struggled to translate their game to a team environment. Whereas in a solo game which requires you to only focus on your stroke and your routine, team bowling demands that you constantly interact positively with your teammates and remain mentally switched on even between your turns.

Providing information to your teammates

Perhaps the largest component of a successful bowling team is proper communication. Teamwork in bowling, as in most team sports, means giving accurate guidance to your teammates. Mainly, can you assess the lane based on the way your ball rolled and tell your team what you see? That doesn’t necessarily mean telling them what they should do, but a quick analysis of the oil conditions can allow your teammate to make their own adjustments for a big-time shot.

Lastly, as former players and coaches, Chris and Kim talk about the characteristics they’ve discovered in the ideal team bowler. Generally, a successful team bowler has a low floor and a calm demeanor, they are animated and supportive of their teammates but not so excitable that they become rattled when luck swings in the opposite direction.